Jennifer Garin

The session included two public hearings: one regarding the 2026-2027 school calendar and another concerning proposed public improvements, specifically the Waukon Middle School HVAC Upgrades. Key actions involved approving the agenda, the consent agenda (covering minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes including new hires and resignations, and open enrollments), and several new business items. New business approvals included the high school course handbook, the 2026-2027 school calendar, the fiscal year 2025 audit report, investment of funds via Certificates of Deposit, adoption of the budget guarantee resolution, setting dates for future public hearings on property taxes and budgets, approval of a Tech Support Specialist Agreement with Keystone AEA, approval of sending out an RFP for iPads and Chromebooks, approval of purchasing football protective equipment, and approval of project designs, drawings, and cost estimates for the Waukon Middle School HVAC Upgrades. Informational reports were provided by various directors and the Superintendent.

The key discussion topic addressed in the new business segment was the setting of a public hearing for capital improvements. A motion was passed to establish this public hearing for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the high school library. The agenda was adopted as presented, and the meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the revised agenda. Key actions under the consent agenda included the approval of various items such as personnel recommendations (hiring volunteer coaches and increasing paraprofessional hours) and the acceptance of a teacher's retirement. During communications, a presentation was given regarding the eighth-grade Washington D.C. trip. Administrator reports covered updates on the legislative session, potential health insurance increases, high student academic performance, facility maintenance (gym floor refinishing, compressor bids, radon testing), and preparations for upcoming student testing (FAST, ISASP). Old business involved the second reading and approval of the Employees policy series. New business included setting a public hearing date for the 2026-2027 school calendar, approving second-semester contracted and PICC classes, approving a request for proposals for certificates of deposit rates, and appointing Kelly Deeney as the new Board Vice President.

The organizational meeting included the approval of the agenda and the sharing of abstract of votes from the County Commissioner of Elections, with Jesse Delaney elected to At-Large Director District and John Palmer elected to Director District #1. Oaths of Office were administered to the elected board members, followed by the election of Erik Helgerson as Board President and Jesse Delaney as Board Vice President, who then also took their oaths. Jaime Curtin was appointed and sworn in as Board Secretary/Treasurer. The regular monthly meeting time was set for the third Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Depository banks were named for various funds. Board Committee appointments were made, and the At-Risk/Dropout Prevention service plan was approved. SBRC requests totaling $38,408, $1,686, and $341,512 were approved. A quote for intercom speaker installation was approved, and the first reading of the 400 Employees Series Board Policies review was conducted. The consent agenda included personnel actions such as substitute driver recommendation, appointments for several coordination roles, and resignations.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Consent agenda items, including minutes, bills, and financial reports, were approved. During communications, visitors were welcomed during the Public Forum, and a presentation was given regarding the STEM BEST awards, detailing purchases and real-world application connections facilitated by local business partnerships. Administrator and director reports covered the county hazard mitigation plan review, commendations for departing and incoming board members, semester tests schedules, professional development progress, upcoming concerts, progress on math interventions, facility usage flexibility due to weather, development of the Portrait of a Graduate, discussion on Prior Written Notice (PWN), status of maintenance projects and snow removal efforts, food service deep cleaning, and positive inspection results for transportation vehicles. Old business included the second reading and approval of several board policies related to committees, equal employment opportunity, student substance use, emergency plans, medication administration, and medical supplies. Prior to adjournment, recognition was given to a board member for 20 years of dedicated service.